Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old ice hockey player for the Nottingham Panthers, tragically died on October 28, 2023, after a collision during a game with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave, where Johnson's neck was sliced by Petgrave's skate.

Tributes poured in for Johnson, who was a prominent player in the sport, and the Nottingham Panthers honored him by retiring his jersey number 47.

Some of Johnson's teammates, including Victor Björkung, expressed support for Petgrave, asserting that there was no intent to harm during the incident.

After a thorough investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service determined that Petgrave would not face criminal charges, citing no realistic prospect of conviction.

Detective Chief Inspector Benjamin Wood emphasized the complexity of the investigation and extended condolences to Johnson's family, noting the ongoing impact of his death on the community.

At the time of his death, Johnson was living with his fiancée, Ryan Wolfe, and studying at Loughborough Business School in the UK.

Johnson was pronounced dead shortly after the accident, despite immediate medical treatment on the ice.

The Nottingham Panthers described the incident as a 'freak accident,' and the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding Johnson's death was extensive, involving video footage review and witness interviews.

In response to the tragedy, the Elite Ice Hockey League strongly encouraged players to wear neck guards, although they were not made mandatory at that time.

Following Johnson's death, the English Ice Hockey Association mandated neck guards for all players starting in 2024, highlighting concerns raised by the coroner regarding player safety.

Sheffield's senior coroner, Tanyka Rawden, had suspended her investigation pending the police inquiry but later issued a report advocating for the use of neck guards in the sport.

Following the incident, the Elite League temporarily suspended all fixtures, and the Nottingham Panthers did not return to competitive play for nearly a month.